Ryley Walker

Primrose Green (Dead Oceans)

Ryley Walker garnered attention around Chicago as a young experimental guitarist behind several cassette-only releases that hearkened John Fahey before Tompkins Square finally issued his formal debut last year with All Kinds of You. Whereas that LP dove into pastoral patches of British folk à la John Martyn and Bert Jansch, his sophomore effort on Dead Oceans pushes more aggressive and eclectic, with packed arrangements and heavy jazz-folk touches most closely recalling Tim Buckley’s landmark experimentalism with Starsailor. Though opening modestly on the charming title track, and the jazz bass and vibraphone of “Summer Dress,” Walker blurs the lines more brashly behind exceptional fingerpicking and moaning chants that weave into a wave of distortion on “Sweet Satisfaction.” “On the Banks of the Old Kishwaukee” mellows gorgeously, as does the cello on Nick Drake-ish “The High Road.” A stellar supporting cast matching his vision, Walker produces one of the year’s most exciting releases. (Wed., 8pm, Central Presbyterian Church)

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This article appears in March 20 • 2015.

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Doug Freeman has been writing for the Austin Chronicle since 2007, covering the arts and music scene in the city. He is originally from Virginia and earned his Masters Degree from the University of Texas. He is also co-editor of The Austin Chronicle Music Anthology, published by UT Press.